Catechetical Day was celebrated at Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel Porvorim on February 23 under the guidance of our Chaplain Fr Francisco Xavier Fernandes. The Day was celebrated with a lot of religious fervor, beginning with a Solemn Mass celebrated by Fr Seville Antao followed by a cultural programme presented by the Catechists and catechism children.
In his message, Fr Antao exhorted the catechists not only to be the messenger but to be the message and also appreciated the sacrifices of the catechists.
Later in the evening, the Catechetical Cell along with the Catechism children presented a programme, beautifully capturing this year’s theme. On the occasion, Chief Guests – Elvida Fernandes (Mapusa Deanery ACAZ Secretary) and ACAZ Member Iona Siqueira lauded the efforts of the catechists and the children.
“Your testimony is very touching and heartwarming. The service you do and your hard work towards catechism speaks of the immense gratitude you have to God,” stated Elvida, who is also a teacher at a school in Bardez.
In his speech, Fr Francisco, Chaplain and Mapusa Deanery ACAZ Animator, said the children should imbibe in them the habit of reading books on the lives of the saints and not keep it aside. He also asked the catechists to be the messengers.
Fr Urbino Monteiro lauded the efforts of the children, catechists and the parents. Aldona Deanery ACAZ Member Agnelo Rodrigues graced the occasion.
On the occasion, the catechists and the children presented a variety of programme – skit, mime, Bhokti Gitam, prayer dance, etc. Prizes for the best attendance and best performance were given to the children, while the catechists were given a token of appreciation by Fr Francisco. The programme ended with the Catechism children singing ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, in both the versions – Konkani and English.
Reported by
Philip M Dias, Catechist
